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Ben and his friend Craig invited dads Al and me to accompany them to a Vancouver Canucks hockey game. It turned out to be one of the best experiences in my life, and I think Al would concur with that.

We drove to the ferry in Ben’s truck and then hoofed it to the ferry and on to Rogers Arena. We arrived at our “seats” which just happened to be at a private suite in the arena. What an experience that was. We got there just before the teams came on for warm up. There was beer in the fridge!

Beer Available

There were finger foods available.

Beer and Veggie Starters

Chips and Popcorn

The teams came out for warm-up. and we took our seats. Later on, other guests arrived at the suite. We enjoyed meeting them.

Ben and Al (leaving) Front Row

The game came later and we thoroughly enjoyed it even though our beloved Canucks lost. The game could have gone either way.

Following the game we returned to our hotel and had an evening meal to complete the occasion. Al and I both had the same reaction to the whole affair. We were so humbled that when Ben and Craig got the tickets, they invited their Dads to share the experience with them. They looked after us and would not allow us to spend a cent. It was a complete role reversal. We did get a little taken aback when they offered to buy us Pirate Pack meals on the ferry home. (Locals will understand that)

On Tuesday past we left for Vancouver with Tim, his family and Jo, Andi’s Mum. The object of the trip was to allow Tim to attend medical appointments at St. Paul’s hospital on Wednesday morning and Thursday morning. All appointments were kept on time and the general results were good.

Early in November, Charlotte had her birthday. As her birthday gift she had been promised a visit to see Kooza, the Cirque du Soleil performance showing in Vancouver. Andi and Tim thought it made good sense to book the show for the same time as Tim’s appointments in Vancouver. The grandparents, Jo, Cynthia and I, got an invitation to go too, so we accepted without hesitation. The show was brilliant, a mixture of circus and Las Vegas and we all thoroughly enjoyed it, even the nail biting, breath holding bits!

Two minute penalties for holding

Following Tim’s appointments on Thursday, and before returning home via the ferry, we also managed to squeeze in a one hour tour of Rogers Arena. For those of you reading this overseas, the arena is the home of our Vancouver Canucks professional ice-hockey team. The tour took us from level 5, the top of the arena, all the way back down to level 1, the entry level. We saw private suites, the broadcast gondola, the restaurants, the administrations’ boxes, media rooms so on so forth. We even got right down to ice-level and were able to sit in the penalty box! The only places we were unable to see which might have been fun, were the Canucks’ and visitors’ changing rooms, as they were in use for practice, by the Canucks and visiting Dallas Stars. If you haven’t been on such a tour, I would recommend it to you.

The days passed quickly, all went well with Tim and the family had a great time together.

Last night our two lads were at Rogers Arena in Vancouver to watch the local Vancouver Canucks hockey team defeat arch rivals, the Boston Bruins. Ben, who was visiting Tim for the weekend, managed to get tickets for both of them. It was great for them to have some time together. In particular, it was great to know that Tim was able to take in this event, and to handle all it entailed.

We are so grateful for two sons who love and care for each other. Thanks also to all of you who continue to provide love, prayer and all kinds of support for Tim, his family and for our family in general.